CAF strategic development and tournament planning

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has undertaken several initiatives to advance the sport on the continent. In early October, CAF held a strategic conference in Cape Verde involving leaders from 54 member associations and FIFA officials. During this summit, President Patrice Motsepe called for increased investment in infrastructure, coach training, and youth academies, with the long-term goal of preparing an African nation to win the FIFA World Cup by 2030.

By late October, the CAF Executive Committee decided to restore the biennial cycle for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This decision reverses a previous plan to move the competition to a four-year schedule. President Motsepe stated the reversal was driven by financial considerations, noting that the previously proposed Africa Nations League would have required several years to generate sufficient revenue.

In October 2026, CAF unanimously confirmed the return to a biennial tournament cycle, reversing a December 2025 plan to move to a four-year cycle. President Motsepe stated the reversal aims to “advance, protect and promote” the interests of African football, its 54 member associations, and players competing abroad. The 2027 edition is scheduled to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Subsequent tournaments are planned for 2028, 2031, and 2033, while the 2030 calendar will remain clear of the competition to avoid conflict with the FIFA World Cup.